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Helmville Today
By the People, for the People
Wasted Talent Wins 10th Helmville Community Club Basketball Tournament
The 59th annual tournament featured intense competition and sportsmanship awards
Published on Feb. 11, 2026
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The 59th Helmville Community Club Invitational Basketball Tournament crowned Wasted Talent as the champions after a hard-fought victory over runner-up Purple Reign. The tournament, which has been a community tradition for decades, brought together eight teams from across Western Montana to compete over the course of the weekend. Wasted Talent, a team formed 10 years ago by players who met at Montana Tech, secured their 10th championship title at the event.
Why it matters
The Helmville Community Club Basketball Tournament is a beloved annual event that brings the community together and highlights the region's top basketball talent. The tournament emphasizes sportsmanship and community values, with organizers recognizing standout players for their character and fair play in addition to their athletic ability.
The details
In the championship game, Wasted Talent defeated Purple Reign by a score of 90-87 in an intense and competitive matchup. The consolation game between The Average Joes and Butte Copper Kings was also decided by just a few points, with The Average Joes winning 99-93 in overtime. Wasted Talent team member Mack Anderson was named the tournament MVP, while teammate Scott Blakney won the free throw championship by sinking 90% of his shots. Sportsmanship awards were given to David Bremler of Purple Reign and Dan Mannix of Wasted Talent.
- The 59th Helmville Community Club Invitational Basketball Tournament took place over the weekend of February 12, 2026.
- Wasted Talent has competed in the tournament for the past 10 years.
The players
Wasted Talent
A basketball team formed 10 years ago by players who met at Montana Tech, Wasted Talent has won the Helmville Community Club Invitational Basketball Tournament 10 times.
Purple Reign
The runner-up team in the 2026 tournament, Purple Reign has won the championship in 2021 and 2023.
Ophus Auction Services/Team Copper Queen
A team that has won the Helmville tournament 6 times in the past 10 years, but was upset in the second round this year by Wasted Talent.
The Average Joes
The team that won the consolation game, defeating Butte Copper Kings 99-93 in overtime.
Mack Anderson
The tournament MVP, playing for the championship team Wasted Talent.
What they’re saying
“It was a competitive and intense game.”
— Jordan Mannix, Referee (seeleylake.com)
“We were happy there were no injuries, they were good athletes on great teams and extra kids came for Hoops for Heart.”
— Randy Mannix, Co-organizer (seeleylake.com)
“We have played in thousands of gyms. This gym is the coolest thing ever. It's unique in the best way.”
— Charles Burns, Wasted Talent team member (seeleylake.com)
What’s next
The Helmville Community Club will begin planning for the 60th annual basketball tournament, which will take place in February 2027.
The takeaway
The Helmville Community Club Invitational Basketball Tournament is a beloved annual event that brings together the region's top basketball talent and emphasizes sportsmanship and community values. The tournament's long history and loyal following demonstrate the enduring appeal of grassroots, community-driven sports competitions.
